Olive oil has been used by many generations in the Mediterranean for cooking and therapeutic purposes. Nowadays, research has helped to showcase the properties of the oil that make it beneficial to our health. Apart from being used as cooking oil in many homes, the absence of substances such as gluten, trans fat, and cholesterol make it a natural remedy for many health challenges. Below are five health benefits of olive oil.
Protection from cancer
One of the most widespread diseases worldwide is cancer. According to a group of Spanish scientists, olive oil contains antioxidants which help to reduce the deleterious effect of cancer, causing free radicals in the body. Olive oil is also rich in the mono-saturated fat called oleic acid, which may help combat the spread of tumours in breast cancer. The antioxidative properties of olive oil are believed to help in controlling the spread of malignant melanoma in the skin. Olive oil may also help to prevent the reoccurrence of cancer in former cancer patients. Olive oil also contains lignan and squalene which can be used to protect the body against cancer.
Helps to control diabetes
According to a study published in the Diabetes Care journal, an olive-rich Mediterranean diet has been shown to help reduce the chances of getting type 2 diabetes by up to 50 percent. By including in your diet a minimum of 2 spoons of olive oil, your body’s insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation get a boost. To achieve better results, eat a diet rich in fruits, soluble fibre, vegetables, and mono-saturated fats such as olive oil. Also, I recommend you to read an article and see how the Mediterranean diet utilises olive oil for health benefits, something critical that keeps the people on the Mediterranian always fit and healthy.
Control of obesity
Olive oil is a nutrient-rich fat which provides improved satiety, effectively managing the need to snack on high-calorie foods of low nutrient which can trigger overheating and result in obesity. By consuming a diet mainly of nutrient-rich foods such as olive oil, the fat helps to stimulate gastric activity and improves digestibility of our food. Olive oil helps to enhance your feeling of satiety, reducing the number of time you need to eat, and helping to check your weight.
In a study conducted by Spanish scientists from the University of Navarra and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, it was discovered that an olive oil-rich diet can help to prevent mental illnesses such as depression. This is because fat is an integral part of cell membranes and make-up 60 percent of the brain. It helps to insulate nerves and forms a protective layer around body organs. Also, researchers in France carried out a study which found out olive oil is effective in improving cognition. The results of the study showed that there was a significant improvement of language fluency and visual memory among older people who used olive oil on a regular basis.
Hair and skin care
Are you battling with severely damaged hair? Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that can help to improve the condition of your hair and scalp. It also offers a protective barrier to the hair shafts and can help to correct damage from styling procedures, stress, environmental irritants, and cosmetics and so on.
Also, olive oil provides Vitamin A and E which makes it an excellent choice for cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing the skin. Its antioxidants also help to prevent early ageing by neutralizing free radicals in the body.
Prevention of heart diseases
Many studies have indicated the potency of olive oil in reducing blood pressure. Olive oil is rich in tocopherol, polyphenols and many anti-inflammatory compounds that help to keep the heart in good shape. According to the results of a study conducted by Spanish researchers, intensive use of olive oil helps to improve heart function in older people. Olive oil helps to bring down blood cholesterol levels, slows down the rate of the heart’s ageing and prevents health diseases.
These are just a few of the health benefits of olive oil. Whether for cooking or for managing the health-related issue, olive oil is sure to give you the best results.
Bibliography
Rupavate, S. (2015, March 23.) 10 reasons why olive oil is extremely good for your health. Retrieved September 01, 2017
Ulery, J. (2017, August 14.) Health benefits of olive oil. Retrieved September 01, 2017, from the Web
Leech, J. (2017, June 4.) 11 Proven benefits of olive oil. Retrieved September 01, 2017, from the Web
